December 6, 2008
Save Money with a Biodiesel Kit
Andrew Bicknell asked:
With the rising gas prices of today many people have begun to look for an alternative way to put fuel in their cars. A biodiesel kit fits the bill for many people who have started making this oil saving fuel in their own backyards. And why not make your own fuel, the hit to wallets and bank accounts with high gasoline prices makes finding alternative fuel sources imperative these days, particularly with the price of gas and oil in the news on a daily basis.
A biodiesel kit is a great way to save a substantial amount of money on your fuel costs. The basic function of such a kit is to convert vegetable oil into biodiesel, a fuel source that can be used in vehicles that currently run on diesel fuel. It is important to note that not all car companies endorse the use of biodiesel fuel in their vehicles and will void the warranty if an engine is damaged by its use. Be sure to research this before buying a new vehicle with a diesel engine. For older diesel cars and trucks there are engine conversion kits that will make the change to cleaner burning biodiesel much easier.
There is a minimal amount of supplies needed to use a biodiesel kit. You will need basic tap water, methanol and access to a good amount of vegetable oil, which can usually be obtained from restaurants and such. You can set the kit up just about anywhere, although most people do put them outside in a shed or under an overhang. You will be making a fuel oil so setting up in the house may not be a real good idea.
When it comes to pricing a kit the more features to be found the more expensive the kit. The most expensive models are built to prevent fumes and odors from escaping during the refining process. Having an odorless refining process may be important for those wishing to refine their fuel near their home. If you live on a farm or a large acreage this may not be as important as the kit can be located farther from the house. Of course if you can afford it go ahead and get the more expensive closed system just because they are very easy to use.
If for some reason you already have a large amount of cooking oil that you need to dispose of then a biodiesel kit would work perfectly. It does take more time to process used oil but the results are the same, a more environmentally friendly fuel that can be put into a diesel powered vehicle.
Considering that the price of gasoline is on an ever rising trend making biodiesel for personal use can be seen as a smart move. Having your own biodiesel kit producing a constant supply of a low cost environmentally friendly fuel right in your own backyard would remove the sting of high pump prices.
With the rising gas prices of today many people have begun to look for an alternative way to put fuel in their cars. A biodiesel kit fits the bill for many people who have started making this oil saving fuel in their own backyards. And why not make your own fuel, the hit to wallets and bank accounts with high gasoline prices makes finding alternative fuel sources imperative these days, particularly with the price of gas and oil in the news on a daily basis.
A biodiesel kit is a great way to save a substantial amount of money on your fuel costs. The basic function of such a kit is to convert vegetable oil into biodiesel, a fuel source that can be used in vehicles that currently run on diesel fuel. It is important to note that not all car companies endorse the use of biodiesel fuel in their vehicles and will void the warranty if an engine is damaged by its use. Be sure to research this before buying a new vehicle with a diesel engine. For older diesel cars and trucks there are engine conversion kits that will make the change to cleaner burning biodiesel much easier.
There is a minimal amount of supplies needed to use a biodiesel kit. You will need basic tap water, methanol and access to a good amount of vegetable oil, which can usually be obtained from restaurants and such. You can set the kit up just about anywhere, although most people do put them outside in a shed or under an overhang. You will be making a fuel oil so setting up in the house may not be a real good idea.
When it comes to pricing a kit the more features to be found the more expensive the kit. The most expensive models are built to prevent fumes and odors from escaping during the refining process. Having an odorless refining process may be important for those wishing to refine their fuel near their home. If you live on a farm or a large acreage this may not be as important as the kit can be located farther from the house. Of course if you can afford it go ahead and get the more expensive closed system just because they are very easy to use.
If for some reason you already have a large amount of cooking oil that you need to dispose of then a biodiesel kit would work perfectly. It does take more time to process used oil but the results are the same, a more environmentally friendly fuel that can be put into a diesel powered vehicle.
Considering that the price of gasoline is on an ever rising trend making biodiesel for personal use can be seen as a smart move. Having your own biodiesel kit producing a constant supply of a low cost environmentally friendly fuel right in your own backyard would remove the sting of high pump prices.
Filed under Bio Diesel by newenergy
December 5, 2008
Beating the High Price of Gasoline with Biodiesel
Joseph Then asked:
With the price of traditional fuel rising faster everyday, people everywhere are looking for alternatives. Electric cars were once touted as the way to save the environment and beat the cost of gasoline, but they are so expensive that very few people can afford to save money by purchasing one.
Alternative fuels have long been discussed as a way to cut fuel prices and help the environment, but with the specialized engines they require, and their inability to pass the regulation tests required by the EPA, they have been a disappointment. The more solutions that are offered to the problem of high fuel costs and dangerous emissions, the further it seems we are from a solution…until now.
There is a fuel alternative that is all that it has promised to be and more. Biodiesel is not only cost effective it is environmentally friendly, as well. Biodiesel is completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. That means that when you use biodiesel to power the engine of your car you aren’t robbing the earth of the riches meant for your grandchildren to enjoy.
Unlike the previous vegetable oil based fuels that can only be used in modified, specially made combustion- ignition engines, biodiesel can be used in its basic form to power the everyday diesel engines on the market today. That means that a simple to make batch of biodiesel could be used to power the family car on its daily errands.
Biodiesel is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel meaning that it can be sold and distributed just like the gasoline you pump into your car at the gas station. Unlike traditional gasoline, biodiesel isn’t as widely available for the average consumer. It can be purchased directly from distributors and manufactures and it is sold a few select stations around the country. If you are interested in trying biodiesel in your car, your best chance of finding it is to make it yourself.
The process is surprisingly easy and the ingredients are readily available. By simply mixing lye, alcohol, and vegetable oil in the right amounts, you can great biodiesel. This economical alternative fuel is made through the simple chemical process of transesterification. During this process, the glycerin is removed from fat or vegetable oil. The process naturally leaves behind byproducts, including methyl esters, which is the chemical name for biodiesel, and glycerin, commonly used in soap production. Biodiesel is completely free of sulfur and aromatics, something that can’t be said about traditional fuels.
Batches of biodiesel can be mixed up in small or large sizes and if done effectively will end up costing about seventy cents a gallon.
With the price of traditional fuel rising faster everyday, people everywhere are looking for alternatives. Electric cars were once touted as the way to save the environment and beat the cost of gasoline, but they are so expensive that very few people can afford to save money by purchasing one.
Alternative fuels have long been discussed as a way to cut fuel prices and help the environment, but with the specialized engines they require, and their inability to pass the regulation tests required by the EPA, they have been a disappointment. The more solutions that are offered to the problem of high fuel costs and dangerous emissions, the further it seems we are from a solution…until now.
There is a fuel alternative that is all that it has promised to be and more. Biodiesel is not only cost effective it is environmentally friendly, as well. Biodiesel is completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. That means that when you use biodiesel to power the engine of your car you aren’t robbing the earth of the riches meant for your grandchildren to enjoy.
Unlike the previous vegetable oil based fuels that can only be used in modified, specially made combustion- ignition engines, biodiesel can be used in its basic form to power the everyday diesel engines on the market today. That means that a simple to make batch of biodiesel could be used to power the family car on its daily errands.
Biodiesel is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel meaning that it can be sold and distributed just like the gasoline you pump into your car at the gas station. Unlike traditional gasoline, biodiesel isn’t as widely available for the average consumer. It can be purchased directly from distributors and manufactures and it is sold a few select stations around the country. If you are interested in trying biodiesel in your car, your best chance of finding it is to make it yourself.
The process is surprisingly easy and the ingredients are readily available. By simply mixing lye, alcohol, and vegetable oil in the right amounts, you can great biodiesel. This economical alternative fuel is made through the simple chemical process of transesterification. During this process, the glycerin is removed from fat or vegetable oil. The process naturally leaves behind byproducts, including methyl esters, which is the chemical name for biodiesel, and glycerin, commonly used in soap production. Biodiesel is completely free of sulfur and aromatics, something that can’t be said about traditional fuels.
Batches of biodiesel can be mixed up in small or large sizes and if done effectively will end up costing about seventy cents a gallon.
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
November 16, 2008
Biodiesel Extend The Life Of Your Diesel Engine
Terry Z. Voster asked:
Biodiesel can extend the life of your engine whether it is in your diesel equipped auto, truck, tractor, bus or highway rig. Biodiesel can increase the longevity of your engine by up to 100 %. Costs are reduced – whether it be for maintenance or vehicle replacement. The engine last longer , breaks down less frequently resulting in longer vehicle life spans , greater reliability and overall less vehicle costs – again be it diesel equipped auto , car, truck ,tractor or highway rig.
How can this be so? The improved lubrication properties of biodiesel over regular vehicle diesel fuel results in increased parts longevity by up to 100 %. As a result commercial vehicles may be used for decades as well as travel millions of miles. Increased engine longevity translates into reduced maintenance costs, longer life spans and overall increases in reliability.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel derived from vegetable oils, animal fats and cooking oils that are processed so that it can be added to diesel fuel as an additive. You cannot just mash up these fats and mix them with your diesel fuel. It is not as if any old Alvero character can make biodiesel in his garage at home. If the biodiesel is not prepared properly in a qualified industrial process – the contaminants of water, glycerols and other trace elements can well clog up your fuel injectors or even an expensive injection pump. Properly done biodiesel is a safe and beneficial fuel additive – now being routinely recommended and touted by major vehicle and diesel engine manufacturers.
More on Biodiesel Extend The Life Of Your Diesel Engine
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
November 10, 2008
Biodiesel Car Is The New Way To Drive
Simon Oldmann asked:
In todays society, Researchers in the United States and around the world are searching for ways to develop alternate forms of fuel. With the ever-rising fuel costs, developing alternate energy is a priority. Bio diesel was developed to combat the high gas and oil prices. It is especially made for use in bio diesel cars and trucks. Bio diesel is made from all naturalfoods that produce oil. Oils such as vegetable, canola, peanut, rapeseed, palm and olive oil can be used as bio diesel fuel.
Virtually all oils that you use in your kitchen everyday can fuel one of these cars. It does not matter if the oil has been used, it can be strained and filtered and then used in the fuel tank.
Biodiesel fuel is a better for the environment because it burns cleaner and does not pollute the atmosphere. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it the perfect fuel.
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
November 9, 2008
The Various Advantages of Producing Algae Biodiesel
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:
Algae is a major renewable fuel which can be used to manufacture Biodiesel. One of the companies in New Zealand successfully developed a system for using sewage waste as a substrate for algae and then it produce bio-diesel. An alga is considered as the highest yield feedstock for biodiesel that can produce more enough oil compared to soybeans when grew in an acre.
Actual Biomass algae produced from field trials, which is conducted during the NREL’s aquatic species program. It is being converted using the actual oil content of the algae species grown in the specific program.
There are various advantages of producing biodiesel from algae, which include rapid growth of the plant. Using Algae Biodiesel gives high per acre yield. Algae biodiesel does not used to contain sulfur, toxic materials and it is highly biodegradable. There are some species, which are ideally suited for algae biodiesel production, because their high oil contents in some species.
Algae used to develop from small, singled celled organisms to cellular organisms, some algae have complex distinguished form. Algae can be easily seen at places like damp, bodies of water. Algae are common in terrestrial as well as aquatic environments. Like any other plants algae require three elements to spring up sunlight, carbon-di-oxide and water. Plant algae and some other bacteria convert sunlight to chemical energy, which process call as photosynthesis. Algae used to contain 2% and 40% of lipids or oils by weight. If algae have greater oil, it may results in lower yield annual food crops such as soybeans. Currently only 0.3% of the land of the US, it is getting utilized to produce enough biodiesel.
More on The Various Advantages of Producing Algae Biodiesel
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
Audi won at Le Mans with its diesel fueled engines and now it wants to return and win again only this time running its race cars on biodiesel.
On the test day at Le Mans, the V12 TDI engine of the Audi R10 used latest-generation Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel for the first time. The fuel, which is produced from biological waste materials, will make its worldwide racing début at the 24 Hours of Le Mans two weeks from now. For Audi Sport Team Joest, the race week at Le Mans will start as early as on Tuesday with Technical Scrutineering at the Place de Jacobins. After the two qualifying sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, the 76th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will start at 3 p.m. on 14 June.
Filed under Bio Diesel by newenergy
May 24, 2008
Summer Fuel Crunch – Can Biodiesel Help?
According to an industry release this week biodiesel could help out with the summer energy crunch as drivers face higher and higher gas prices.
Here is a sample of that release:
As Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer driving season, many would-be travelers are choosing to stick closer to home versus experiencing the pain of skyrocketing fuel prices at the pump. But as bad as fuel prices may seem now, they could be worse if it weren’t for domestically produced, renewable biofuels such as biodiesel.
New data from the International Energy Agency show that global biofuels production has cut consumption of crude oil by 1 million barrels a day, offering savings of $120 million dollars a day. In addition, Merrill Lynch commodity strategist Francisco Blanch says that oil and gasoline prices would be about 15 percent higher now if biofuel producers were not increasing their output. The biodiesel industry is playing a key role in helping to address many of our nation’s economic, environmental and energy security woes.
Read the rest of the biodiesel release here
Do you agree?
Why not give us your two cents on this issue?
Filed under Bio Diesel by newenergy
There is growing interest in the development of biodiesel fuel as more and more positive benefits are found for this alternative fuel source. It’s not that it’s just a good alternative to our reliance on imported oil but it is also been shown to have a positive impact on our own health and the environment as a whole.
The first positive benefit for biodiesel is the fact that it can be made from renewable resources. It was first created when scientists started doing research into the possibility of using corn and soybean oils in the production of an alternative fuel source. In the process they discovered that just about any kind of vegetable or animal oil that we use to cook with today can be processed into biodiesel fuel. And the best part is it can be oil that has already been used and recycled.
Used vegetable oils along with sewage are all being used to produce biodiesel these days. During the refining of the oil a process is added that extracts all the contaminants from the raw fuel transforming it into an excellent alternative fuel source. Many people who produce biodiesel in small processors in their backyards get most of their raw materials from business such as restaurants that produce large amounts of vegetable oil waste. The benefit of creating a fuel source from waste products is such that the world as a whole is a better place.
Filed under Bio Diesel by newenergy
April 14, 2008
Biodiesel Fuel Testing – Voluntary and Mandatory Standards
Biodiesel is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly source of energy. These benefits have sparked the public’s interest in using this to fuel their cars. This increased interest has motivated many new companies and hobbyists to become producers and sellers of this new fuel.
As with any other product, producers and sellers must meet certain regulations and, in addition, are encouraged to follow suggested guidelines.
Regulations concerning the production and selling of biodiesel greatly varies from State to State. While many states do not possess explicit regulations or laws governing the production and sale of biodiesel, other states do have such regulations or laws as well as legal definitions of what qualifies.
When a state possesses an explicit legal definition of what constitutes a biodiesel fuel it usually includes one or more of the specifications, such as the D6751 specification, provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
The State of Michigan is perhaps one of the most stringent States in that it prohibits refiners, distributors and retailers from transferring or dispensing biodiesel containing visible “undissolved water, sediments and other suspended matter”. Furthermore, Michigan retailers cannot sell from storage tanks that contain 2 inches or more of water, or a mixture of water and alcohol, at the bottom of the tank.
Filed under Bio Diesel by newenergy
